Bahrain: Kasturi Kamal Chosen for Aryabhata Award
Srikrishna Bhat
Bahrain, Mar 29: Bahrain's popular Kannada commmunity leader and leading cultural enthusiast Kamalaksha Amin has been chosen for the prestigious '2012 International Aryabhata Award'.
The Bangalore-based Aryabhata Cultural Organisation has selected Amin for the award for his contribution to Kannada language and culture in a foreign land, said Organisation president H L N Rao.
Amin will receive the award at a colourful ceremony to be organised at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bangalore on April 28.
Amin is the second person to receive the award from Bahrain.
He has been active in the cultural scene on the island for the past two decades - having set his imprint in music, theatre, community leadership and social service.
Every Kannada lover on the island fondly calls him "Kasturi Kamal" for his unique effort in starting the "Kasturi Kannada" programme on local FM station in Bahrain, perhaps the first such programme in the Gulf. Through the programme, he introduced many Kannada celebritries and political leaders to Bahrain listeners.
He has worked as the entertainment secretary of Kannada Sangha Bahrain for several years and introduced innovative programmes for the benefit of its members. His contribution to the success of the World Kannada Cultural Convention held in Bahrain in 2006 is noteworthy.
He is a noted compere on Kannada and Tulu programames on the island and gives his wholehearted support to programmes of every community.
He has backed many events in Kannda Sangha Bahrain by arranging sponsorships for them and he was honoured for this support by the then chief minister B S Yeddyurappa during his visit to Kannada Sangha Bahrain.
Amin was awarded the "Hrudayavantaru" award at the 8th All-India Kannada Cultural Convention held in Vaapi in Gujarat for his contribution for Kannada art, culture and language. He was also honoured by the Gangubai Hangal Foundation last year, the Rotary Club of Kundapur, Kundaprabha organisation, Billava Sangha Kundapur, the Naatya Kalaanjali Sirsi and the "Bindu Purotsava" held in Baindoor in 2010.
Apart from organising many cultural events, including the hugely successful "Ramee Rasa Sanje", he is also a key adminstrator of "Namma Kannada", a popular FaceBook group of Bahrain Kannadigas.
Amin is also a keen organiser of help for the needy, whether it is in Bahrain or in India. The "Friends' Circle Bahrain" set up by him has helped several students and others in need.
He is also active in the field of writing, being the correspondent for Udayavani and Gulf Kannadiga from Bahrain. He has interviewed many celebrities for newspapers and magazines.
Amin lives in Bahrain with wife Sonal and their young son.
Also Read: